It is sometimes funny sometimes sad how one word or sentence gets taken by those that intend mischief. At our last Park&Rec meeting we discussed an aging building in Bluebird park. The building has historical significance but a plan was never created on how to protect or maintain it... We started to discuss it because it keeps getting broken into and has become a police and safety issue.
We disscussed as our first option of finding a way to preserve it. If that was not possible then finding ways to remove it, demolish it or use it for a possible training fire for our fire department.
This turned into George wants to burn the thing down yesterday. We had only two Chamber people in attendance for the meeting.
About Me
- George
- I have served the City of Isanti as Mayor since 2007. We have accomplished great things together and I look forward to building on our success. United, we move forward to a better future. You may contact me at 763-442-8749 or e-mail me at george@georgewimmer.com.
6 comments:
George,
I was the only Chamber Board member in attendance during that portion of the meeting. I attended the meeting for two agenda items when I noticed an additional agenda item that read "Wickstrom House Demolition". I chose to stick around to hear the discussion. During the discussion, I asked the Park Board to inquire as to the historical value of the building as I understand that it was built in 1870 which would make it one of the oldest buildings in the entire county. The Park Board tasked City Staff with three action items prior to the next Park Board meeting. 1) Contact the Isanti County Historical Society to see if there is any historical value beyond the City of Isanti. 2) The cost of demolition 3) If the local fire dept. would be interested in the building for use in a training controlled burn. I personally was completely satisfied with the direction given by the Park Board, because if we find that there is historical value, that would then start another discussion towards restoring and preservation of the building and if not then the city has the answers to the alternative solutions and can move forward in a timely manner.
I reported my findings back to the Chamber Board of Directors exactly as presented above so I am confused as to how this rumor took root. Could it be how the agenda item was written that caused the negative rumor perhaps? After all it did read "Wickstrom House Demolition"? I would say this is much more likely than the insinuation that the Chamber is responsible.
I personally believe that the Park Board made exactly the right decision.
I only wish that instead of assuming and pointing fingers that items such as these could be discussed as adults instead of automatically assuming the worst and taking it to a public forum.
Sincerely,
Jaysen Guthmueller
Chairperson of the Historic Downtown Isanti Committee
There is no assumption of evil intent. I have no idea how you or anyone else reported or discussed this item. I know it was discussed at the P&R board meeting - I know who was in attendance and I know what the results were.
It is interesting to think that the title of an agenda that no one but the board and yourself is the cauyse of the burning rumor. I have been on the P&R board for 6 years and the agenda has never been widely read.
The City is following the process it always does. An issue is raised and we meet and discuss it. Public input is always welcome. Rumors and twist of discussions are par for the course.
And of course our City meetings are open to the public, notes taken and audio recorded so everyone knows what I say - no idea what was presented in the Chamber Board meeting.
The Chamber is a business group. When did it go into historical preservation. We need a business centered chamber not a social/political club.
So how long does it take for minutes and agenda's to be posted to the city website? P&R hasn't had minutes posted since March.
The agenda for June was never posted to the city website either so I would assume that anyone that read the agenda item had to be there.
Is the audio posted? or is that for council meetings only?
I just want to see the attendance since there is a discrepancy as to who was there.
I will make sure the agendas get posted. The two Chamber Board Members were there and perhaps one did leave at the end.
Only Council agenda is posted but all audio is recorded and saved. There is not a record of everyone that attends the meeting but both Chamber Board Members did speak and would appear on the Audio and in the minutes.
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